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This wonderful invention, the electric stapler, is by far my favorite desktop tool (besides my computer, of course). When I consider all of the office supplies out there to choose from and select for my desk, this one always makes the first cut. No matter how “paperless” an office claims to be, it seems that there are always reams that need organizing and “clipping.”

I held out for years using a handheld stapler before I broke down and bought a cheap, small, light-duty battery-operated stapler – which didn’t endure much use. Finally, after a lot of trial and error, I found what is the perfect model for me.

My electric stapler of choice is the Swingline Speed Pro® (either the model “20” or “40” will suffice). This unit is light-medium duty (20-40 sheets), has a built-in caddy for a staple remover, and a cool blue LED indicator of the staple supply. Plus, it has a sleek appearance, a power supply, and a battery option/backup. Of course, it is now discontinued, so I buy up most of them I can find on eBay or Amazon, etc. I have found this model to be extremely reliable – so I may not anytime soon need any of the replacement stash I have stored in my garage.

I didn’t really mean for this to be an advertisement, but every now and then I will share with you various tools and supplies that help me get my work done productively.

Chime in … what’s your favorite office supply?

From Amazon.com:

Product Description

Amazon.com

With powerful features and contemporary styling in a smaller, desktop-friendly design, the Swingline … Speed Pro (20) Electric Stapler provides reliable stapling with a built-in paper guide. Providing innovative features you’d expect to find only in more expensive electric staplers, this stapler is so well-designed it has earned an “Ease-of-Use” commendation from The Arthritis Foundation. It provides easy accessibility even to people with functional limitations due to the effects of arthritis or other ailments.Under the hood, an exclusive, high-power electric stapling mechanism ensures quiet and smooth operation without any scary bangs. The mechanism is powered by an AC adapter with battery back-up, and a handy (blue) LED indicator is included to inform you when staples are running low. Other features include an extended base that provides exceptional stability and easy to see staple placement, a built-in detachable staple remover, and a user control feature that allows you to choose between manual or automatic staple activation. It is capable of stapling up to 20 sheets of 20-pound paper with Swingline’s S.F. 4 premium staples. The stapler is backed by a manufacturer’s limited 5-year warranty.

Product Description

Speed Pro® electric stapler brings power and style to your desktop. Staples up to 20 sheets. High-power electric stapling mechanism ensures a quiet and smooth operation to make you work easier and faster. Allows user to choose between manual or automatic staple activation. Convenient built-in detachable staple remover. LED readout indicates when staples are running low. Solid, extended base provides exceptional stability and easy-to-see staple placement. 1 1/2″ throat depth. Front loads a full strip of 1/4″ staples. Six-foot cord. Black. 100% Performance Guarantee—Guaranteed to perform at the highest standards for the life of the warranty (assuming normal product usage) or Swingline will replace the product. Manufacturer’s limited five-year warranty. All sheet capacities are based on 20-lb. bond.

Like this:

I was contemplating what to blog about today when it quite literally hit me! My seat-mate on my Southwest flight knocked me in the head with her Spirit Magazine as she was pulling it out of the seat-back pocket. So, I had a quick read and encountered one of my favorite concepts … girl power.

I love the quote from the “Connectedness” section of the article, “… winning is plural.”Enjoy:

Girl Power

Personality traits most often associated with women translate to top strategies for business success, says leadership consultant John Gerzema.

Candor

“The masculine command-and-control model is becoming increasingly out of place in our very social, interdependent, and transparent world,” says Gerzema. “The job of a leader is not to be a dictator but a facilitator, and to listen to lots of voices. Leaders and managers who possess that kind of openness and candor have the ability to lift people up so that everyone’s voice can be heard. It ultimately improves decision-making because the best ideas are brought to bear.”

Vulnerability

“Today, you can’t read a business article without hearing about how people learn from failure. There’d be more progress if we were better at admitting what we don’t know in the first place. When you ask for help, people align themselves with your needs and come to your aid, which saves both time and money. You could argue that vulnerability is not only an effective leadership trait, but that it’s rooted in pragmatism.”

Empathy

“Empathy is innovation, and sensitivity to others is a huge catalyst for creativity. So many leaders envision markets, then go out and create needs. But people who really devote themselves to studying the human condition often uncover important underserved markets.”

Connectedness

“Collaboration and consensus-building are really prized in a social economy. Be flexible. Be collaborative. In masculine societies, winning involves stepping on your competitors. But in a world that values connectedness, winning is plural. In working together, we might just get a bigger piece of the pie.”

John Gerzema is the co-author of The Athena Doctrine: How Women (And the Men Who Think Like Them) Will Rule the Future.

Like this:

Those of you who know me will wonder what on earth I am doing referencing The University of North Carolina when my alma mater and my husband’s alma mater are pretty far removed and often bitter sports rivals with this school.

The answer is simply that there are a lot of business lessons that can be learned from sports and coaching. So now that the college basketball season is over, I will be a good sport and set aside these rivalries to outline some valuable guidelines from Dean Smith for teams and leadership. (I just refuse to do it in powder blue!)

THE CAROLINA WAY

1. Play Together

2. Play Hard

3. Play Smart

Other Guidelines:

Be honest with your players.

Demand unselfish play.

Praise unselfish play.

Recruit unselfish players and make sure they are compatible with your philosophy.

Respect your players; never embarrass or criticize them in public.

From A Coach’s Life: My Forty Years in College Basketball (Random House)

Like this:

There are many things in business over which you have no control. So, why not concentrate your efforts on those things you cancontrol?

For instance, when you wake up in the morning, you canchoose to be in a good mood or a bad mood. Which one will suit you best for the day?

When you leave home, you most certainly check to see that your socks match (if you even wear socks), and that you have your keys with you. Do you ever to check to see that you have a smile on your face?

That smile you wear canmake a difference not only in how your day goes – it canalso positively affect others around you.